(WWJ) A downtown Plymouth restaurant is the latest to be busted for violating coronavirus-related rules on Michigan.
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission announced Friday that is has issued an emergency suspension of the liquor licenses and permits for G.I. Poros, Inc., doing business as Greek Islands Eatery in Plymouth.
MLCC said the restaurant violated the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) February 4, 2021 Gatherings and Face Mask Order — which was in effect at the time the alleged violations occurred, including:
• allowing non-residential, indoor gatherings without requiring patrons to be seated
• exceeding 25% of normal seating capacity
• allowing prohibited intermingling
• failure to require face coverings for staff and patrons
• lack of social distancing
Important to note: A new MDHHS Gatherings and Face Mask Order that took effect on Friday increased indoor seating capacity at restaurants to 50%.
Since September 2020, the MLCC has suspended liquor licenses of a total of 41 establishments located throughout the state for violations of the Executive and Emergency Orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The owners or representatives of G.I. Poros, Inc., are scheduled to appear before an Administrative Law Judge on March 10 for a virtual hearing to determine whether this summary suspension should continue, or other fines and penalties should be imposed.
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While some restrictions in Michigan are relaxing, officials warn that any licensed establishment that is in violation of the MDHHS emergency order will be held strictly accountable and risk suspension or revocation of its license. All licensees must comply not only with the MDHHS orders, but also with local health department orders and local ordinances regarding reduced occupancy rates and social distancing protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state says.
The public can report any suspected non-compliance issue at an establishment directly to the MLCC by filing a complaint with the MLCC Enforcement Division online or by calling the division’s hotline, toll-free, at 866-893-2121. Not sure what the current rules say? MLCC’s website (www.michigan.gov/lcc) provides information on the MDHHS Emergency Orders, indoor service restrictions, face mask requirements, and FAQ for restaurants and bars.
To date, the health department says there have been more than 593,279 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, resulting in more than 15,600 deaths. Although vaccination for COVID-19 is underway across the state, the pandemic is not yet at an end, and more challenging months lay ahead. Check the latest stats at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.
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